About Rich

The Story behind the Story

Becoming a Committed and Experienced Leader

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I come from a family of resolute workers and military soldiers. My father successfully worked in road construction operating heavy equipment and was a foreman. My mother worked multiple jobs from house-cleaning to working in a meat processing plant to being a convenience store cashier. I have ancestors that fought in the Revolutionary and Civil wars. One individual served as a drummer boy under General George Washington while still underage. There is a photograph of him. Individuals who participated in the Civil War received land grants through the Homestead Act of 1862. As a family, we served in the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines. Two of my sons have also honorably served in the U.S. armed forces. 

While a young man, I was always helping others and working. In addition to doing household chores without receiving any allowance, I had a lawn care business in my hometown for several years. I gained experience working on a farm by overseeing various tasks as needed, and I also served as a lifeguard. Once I received my driver’s license, I became the janitor of our local bank. I received a key, so I could enter and clean after regular business hours. Times have changed!  I was also the janitor of our local Post Office. When I was sixteen, I was able to purchase my first car at the local Chevy dealership by taking out a loan. I bought a 1972 Chevy Chevelle that someone had exchanged for a Corvette. It was a real beauty!

My youth and college years were not just about grades and books. They were about discipline, excellence, and leadership. I participated in swimming, baseball, basketball, and football in my early years and I learned teamwork, friendship, patience, and endurance. I learned responsibility while being a class treasurer and president of student council. Participating in school plays put my self-confidence to the test. While in college, I led two student organizations and wrestled for a year. This again helped me to become a better leader.

While in Bible College, I met my wife and we both graduated with a bachelor’s degree. In college we received a strong Biblical foundation to build our marriage upon. We are the parents of five children, who were home birthed and were educated through a combination of private schooling, public schooling, and homeschooling. All five attended college and have earned various degrees. 

My wife and I have lived, worked, and served in the central-western Michigan community for 25 years and I am committed to the area’s conservative values. I have worked in construction here, in fifteen other states and abroad in Haiti and Puerto Rico. My wife did her student teaching in a Brazilian international school and was a schoolteacher for 25 years. I have also traveled in Europe, Africa, Central America, and the Philippines doing short-term mission trips. These experiences were life changing.

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Through my experiences in business, community service, and politics, along with a deep respect for our Constitution and Judeo-Christian conservative values, God has enabled me to become the leader we need for the times we are facing in Michigan. I will be a strong voice and advocate in Lansing representing the interests and needs of our counties and townships as I work for common sense solutions. I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote.